May 13, 2015—Youth Mental Health

May 13, 2015—Youth Mental Health

In the spring of 2014, the Senate Liberals opened our Caucus doors to Canadians. Through our Open Caucus initiative we are learning, discussing and debating issues of national importance. This effort is hosted by the Senate Liberal Caucus but is intended to be non-partisan. All parliamentarians will be invited, as well as members of the press and the general public.

In 2013, Statistics Canada reported that more youth aged 15 to 24 met the criteria for mood disorders and substance use disorders than any other age group in the country. Alarmingly, suicide is the second leading cause of death among Canadian youth 15 to 24 years of age. We invited a panel of expert witnesses to appear before us to discuss the factors that affect mental illness in young Canadians and also how it should be addressed.